Ducati Shows 2013 Multistrada 1200

Great news for the Ducati fans come from Bilbao, Spain, as the new Multistrada has just been launched. The 2013 model packs a lot of top-drawer features which will simply enthrall the fans, but leave a burning hole in their bank accounts as well.

Now, all the great machines come with rather steep prices, and that's no news. What's really new and exciting is the fact that the Audi-owned company has managed to add a lot of nice features on the old platform and the next year's bike is indeed a major fun machine.

The 2013 Multistrada's heart is the brutal Testastretta 11° engine which now delivers with up to 5% more torque and sports a smoother feel thanks to the repositioned injectors, dual spark plugs, additional air intake system and different ignition mapping.

The three S models are equipped with the Ducati Skyhook System (DSS), which promises better contact between bike and road, thanks to the intelligent damping adjustment, keeping the Multistrada in better balance.

The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system receives info from the front and rear accelerometers and makes necessary amends to the whole dynamics of the bike, ABS and all. The Bosch Brembo ABS is a lightweight state of the art one, delivering unrivaled performance to both front and rear brakes; it features the same processor like the one to be found on the 1199 Panigale model.

The 2013 Multistrada boasts no less than 4 riding modes: Sport (150 bhp direct), Touring, Urban and Enduro, the latter three with an even spread of the available 100 bhp, ensuring optimal traction and fuel consumption in any riding scenario.

As for the rest of the enhancements, we should also note the larger, on-the-fly manually-adjustable windshield, LED headlights and position lights, dedicated connector for an optional Garmin GPS. The Ride-by-wire throttle is stock, as is the hands-free proximity ignition. Rumor goes that the price tag for the new Multistrada 1200 top model could read as much as 23,000€ ($29.700) in Europe. Stay put for official pricing in the US soon.

❐ Check out the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 photo gallery